A high-quality pushchair is one of the most important purchases you will make for your new family member. You’ll probably spend hours researching this important piece of gear and still find yourself confused by the sheer amount of options available!
You can choose from a wide range of pushchairs to suit different lifestyles or budgets.
It’s hard to know where to start when choosing a pushchair; this practical guide breaks down pushchair jargon to help you make the best decision for you and your baby.
But first, let’s clear up the difference between a buggy pushchair and a stroller.
Is there a difference between a pushchair, a buggy, and a stroller?
The best way to start when thinking about a pushchair is to learn what makes it different. It can seem like a maze of options with so many categories, from prams and pushchairs to buggies, strollers, and travel systems.
First, let’s clarify the differences between them. We discuss the most important factors to note within each category in this section of our Pushchair Guide.
Is there any difference between prams and pushchairs?
Many people confuse the terms’ pram’ and ‘pushchair,’ but a pram offers a lying-down position, usually in a carry cot or basinet (both names mean the same and can be used interchangeably) while a pushchair offers a seated position.
What are pushchairs?
A pushchair is ideal for older infants at around six months. One of the best ways to tell whether a baby is ready for a pushchair is if they can sit up on their own.
What are prams?
A pram is designed for newborn babies and offers a modern take on the traditional baby carriage. Newborn babies should be in a flat position so that their lungs and spinal cord can develop properly. It is protecting them from so-called ‘cot death’ and making sure their back is fully supported.
What are strollers?
Strollers are commonly used to describe lightweight versions of pushchairs that are designed for older babies or toddlers. Strollers are popular for holiday transportation due to their lighter weight and greater compactness. In terms of design: the stroller is usually with smaller wheels, less convertible – which means the seat is usually facing forward only.
What are travel systems?
In a travel system, a pushchair frame is assembled with additional parts, such as a carrycot, a seat, and a car seat. All parts are interchangeable with the frame; purchased as a package which is often good value for money.
Travel systems do not necessarily have to be purchased in a package, and some can be purchased separately. Most pushchair manufacturers include compatible car seat adapters in the travel system package, making it easy to clip an infant car seat onto the wheels so your sleeping little one can be moved from car to pushchair, without waking him up.
What are Buggies?
The term buggy can refer to any of the above.
How do I choose the right pushchair?
You might want to consider the following factors before investing in a pushchair.
Durability
A good place to start is to determine how and where you intend to use your pushchair. Many models are designed for lighter use, with small wheels for zipping down city streets and a lightweight chassis so you can use public transport more readily. In contrast, others are designed for a more active lifestyle, with bigger tires and suspension; more durable. What is it that you need? All in one system that will sort your travel problems for next 3 years, or just a piece of equipment for a certain amount of time?
Size
Size is also a factor to think about. Consider your vehicle’s boot space or how compact the pushchair is if you’ll have to put it in a luggage rack quite often. You may need to take your baby and pushchair up and down the stairs every day if you live in a flat. It makes sense to consider how large the pushchair will be in your car, and how small it folds down.
Compatibility
Consider whether the seat folds down with the pushchair, or if it needs to be removed – some providers with fold down seat can be less comfortable for a baby, as parts of the seat are folding at a different angle than seating position.
Think if you need additional equipment, such as a carrycot or car seat, and how much space these accessories will take up if needed. If you decide to buy a pram with one brand, pushchair with another and car seat from another one – you will end up with 3 different brands, 2 different set of wheel frames and more space taken at home while storing it.
Look for these features in a pushchair:
Parent facing mode
Babies should be parent-facing in a carrycot for the first six months of their life until they can sit up unassisted. It is best for babies during their first six months to be in the parent-facing mode so that there can be plenty of interactions between the parent and baby during these most important developmental months. Research shows that children facing parents at those early stages of childhood develop better their communication skills because of face interactions with the parent. Research showed that front facing pushchairs don’t stimulate the social interaction part of the brain, which leaves a child every day, for at least 2h without those crucial human contact.
As baby gets older, their curiosity will grow up and they will become concerned about the world around them. At this point, it may be time to switch to a world-facing mode.
Comfortable padding
An extra-padded pushchair keeps the baby comfortable and supported. Some pushchairs offer matresses included, some don’t – you can decide what you need after purchasing the travel system/pushchair and select the relevant accessories you might need.
Weight of the pushchairs
Consider the weight of the pushchair before purchasing one. Will you need to carry it up and down the stairs often? Will you fly frequently? You might need to buy 1 travel system and 1 compact ‘airline’ friendly stroller if you will be flying around the world with your baby. Always think about durability though, will your toddler be comfortable with it? Will you be comfortable while pushing?
Easily foldable
Foldable pushchairs are available in all models. However, the way they fold differs from brand to brand. Different pushchair manufacturers have designed folding mechanisms to meet the needs of different lifestyles – some making them more convenient for parents who like to travel, while others are making them quicker to fold and store.
Convertibility of pushchairs
A convertible pushchair changes from a single to a double when you add another carrycot or seat unit. Converter kits can transform a single pushchair into a double, and additional seat units or carrycots can be bought in package deals. Convertible pushchairs are great because they can be used for one or two children, so they are an economical option for first-time parents who plan to have a second child after their first.
Some important tips to consider while choosing a pushchair:
- We always advise people to buy a pushchair that best suits their lifestyle.Where do you mostly walk, how do you travel? Do you need a lasting piece of equipment? Think about pushchair features: good suspension, larger wheels, pump-up or gel tires, and a larger basket.
- If you want to invest in a pushchair that will last, look for quality. Is the frame aluminum or plastic? Plastic is generally harmful to humans, and definitely not durable, as a material it is not flexible and prone to break. Would you buy a plastic bike for yourself? You will probably ride on the same surface as the pushchair… Think of those miles that the pushchair frame will need to do. Aluminum frames will last longer and are usually equiped in other extra features.
- Get the latest technology – like height-adjustable bars, or breathable cloth that dries fast, or rainproof, or sleek design, or shock absorbers or ventilation grills.
- Ensure to read the certificates of the brand you are choosing: check that it complies with British / EU safety standards.
- A great pushchair should come with a warranty – the standard warranty is a year, but some suppliers give a two-year warranty, and some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on certain parts.
- When using the pushchair by both parents, look for a pushchair with height-adjustable handles. Your pushing position is paramount; it means your lower back won’t suffer after long walks.
- Invest in a quality car seat and make sure it will make your life easier, not harder (size, weight, attachable to the pram frame or not; how secure it will be in an emergency; can it be docked to the Isofix station?)
